Beef & Barley Soup Crock Pot

Recipe for Beef and Barley Soup that you can make in a slow cooker (Crock Pot):

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 500g) stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the stewing beef in a bit of oil. This step helps enhance the flavor of the soup. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add barley: Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and add it to the slow cooker.
4. Seasonings: Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Pour in broth: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. If you like, you can also add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, the beef to become tender, and the barley to cook.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
9. Enjoy: Enjoy your hearty and nutritious Beef and Barley Soup!

Note: You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like peas, green beans, or spinach. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and broth quantity according to your taste preferences.